ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Inland Tugboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orion Marine Group

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Must know the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Be proficient in the use of radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats ...

Schneider

Boat Captain

Houston, TX

Must know the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Be proficient in the use of radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats ...

TAS Concrete

Boat Captain

Houston, TX

Must know the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Be proficient in the use of radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats ...

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Must know the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Be proficient in the use of radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats ...

CNIC Careers

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN

Everett, WA

$35.90/hr

... tugboat alongside vessels to assist in berthing; 2) Supervising the deck crew in the operation and ... Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with ...

360 Industrial Services

Stick Welder KY

Paducah, KY · On-site

$24/hr

... tugboat repair facility in Paducah, Kentucky. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience welding with 3/16" E6010 electrodes and performing structural repairs on inland river vessels ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInland Tugboat Jobs

Inland Tugboat information

See salary details

$18

$31

$39

How much do inland tugboat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for inland tugboat in the United States is $31.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.77 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired on an inland tugboat?

To get hired as an inland tugboat crew member, candidates typically need a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), relevant maritime certifications such as STCW or TWIC, and experience operating tugboats or similar vessels. Applying through maritime companies, demonstrating safety knowledge, and having good physical fitness are also important steps in the hiring process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an inland tugboat position?

To excel as an Inland Tugboat operator, you need strong boat handling skills, a solid understanding of navigation rules, and usually a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the appropriate endorsements. Familiarity with marine radios, GPS navigation, and safety systems is essential, as is compliance with Coast Guard regulations. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and situational awareness help you respond to changing river or harbor conditions and work efficiently with crew members. These skills ensure safe vessel operation, effective coordination, and adaptability in dynamic inland waterway environments.

What are the typical working conditions for someone in an inland tugboat position?

Inland Tugboat operators often work in shifts that can extend for several days, alternating between time on the water and periods off duty, depending on the company and assignments. The job involves working in all types of weather, frequently requiring tasks both inside the wheelhouse and outdoors on deck, handling lines or securing barges. You’ll typically be part of a small, close-knit crew, so strong communication and collaboration are essential for safety and efficiency. While the work can be physically demanding and require long hours, many find it rewarding due to the unique work environment and the camaraderie of the crew. These positions often provide opportunities for advancement into roles with greater navigational responsibility or supervisory duties.

How much money can you make working on an inland tugboat?

Inland tugboat operators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Experienced captains and crew with specialized certifications can earn higher wages, and overtime or shift work may increase total income.

What is an inland tugboat?

An Inland Tugboat job involves operating and maneuvering tugboats on rivers, lakes, and other inland waterways to move barges and other vessels. Crew members typically handle navigation, towing operations, vessel maintenance, and ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations. These positions require teamwork, physical endurance, and knowledge of waterway systems. Depending on the role, licensing from the U.S. Coast Guard may be necessary.

More about Inland Tugboat jobs
What cities are hiring for Inland Tugboat jobs? Cities with the most Inland Tugboat job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Inland Tugboat jobs? The most popular types of Inland Tugboat jobs are:
What states have the most Inland Tugboat jobs? States with the most job openings for Inland Tugboat jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Inland Tugboat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Inland Tugboat jobs are:
Inland Tugboat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inland Tugboat job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,667 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Offshore Tugboat Captain

Marquette Transportation Company LLC

Lockport, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Marquette:
Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky and founded in 1978, Marquette is a leading provider of inland marine transportation services. Our Company operates over 130 towboats on the Mississippi River System, Gulf-Intracoastal Waterway, and near-shore coastwise market. In addition, the Company controls over 1,000 dry cargo barges. The Company has additional offices in St Rose, LA, Lockport, LA and La Porte, TX. With over 1,800 vessel and shore-based employees, Marquette is the largest provider of independent towing services within the inland waterways. We are the only fully integrated fleet in the industry that can do what we do.
About Offshore Division:
Marquette's Offshore Division, established in 2007, is dedicated to providing U.S.-flagged tugboat services to meet customer project needs across the Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Seaboard, and Caribbean. Alongside our fleet of tugboats, we offer comprehensive, one-stop solutions specializing in project cargo and dredge support work. We utilize strict safety protocols, detailed planning, and a robust maintenance program to execute our operations. Our fleet consists of nine tugboats ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 BHP (brake horsepower). Despite being a smaller division, Marquette strives to provide a strong, supportive culture that extends through our offices and onboard our vessels. Marquette is truly powered by its people, both on the vessels and shoreside.
Principal Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel, and tow.
  • The Captain must also strive to see that company policy, rules, and regulations are followed.
  • Must report to the office all violations of policy or violations of federal, state, or local laws.
  • Conducting monthly drills and safety meetings in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that work completed in accordance with Company safety policies and practices.
  • Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance.
  • Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
  • Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes.
  • Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the Crew Endurance Management System on-board all vessels.
  • Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel's budget.
  • Complete required log entries.
  • Maintain radio watch as required.
  • Enforce all rules.
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand.
  • Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures.
  • Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed.
  • Provide instructions and information to crew members, land-based personnel, and USCG or lock personnel.

Qualifications
  • Retain a USCG Master of Towing Vessels license endorsed for service.
  • Meet USCG physical examination requirements.
  • Be able to travel to and from vessel/training locations via air or car travel (must possess a valid driver's license).
  • Be able to climb steep stairs, sit or stand for long periods of time.
  • Maintain an active TWIC.

Specific Requirements
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard license, Master or Mate of Towing Near Coastal (Minimum) or Oceans (preferred).
  • 3-5 years of experience in dredge support work, anchor handling, & tow lining barges as Master of Towing coastwise on the US East Coast & Gulf of Mexico.

Expected Hours of Work
  • Schedule is approximately 28 days on and 14 days off.
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.
  • Willing to take call outs.
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, etc.
  • Marquette offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and a 401k plan.

Marquette offers competitive pay, health, vision, and dental insurance, holiday pay, company paid life insurance, 401(k) plan, and other incentives.
Marquette is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. By clicking the link below, you authorize Marquette Transportation Company, LLC to contact you by any method at the number provided.

Apply